Our Review

These one-size pocket nappies aren't unique, but they wash and dry well and have a good fit. A choice of washable inserts would be good though.

Charlie Banana one-size nappies are described as “the nappy with options”. They are pocket nappies, which means you slide the absorbent part of the nappy (the insert) into a pocket between the outer and inner layers of the main part. The ‘options’ come from being able to choose between a washable, microfibre insert, or a disposable one.

Charlie Banana does two kind of nappies - a sized version, which means you buy small, medium and large nappies, and change sizes as your baby grows, and the one-size, which is adjustable so it can grow with your baby. I trialled the one-size style.

Charlie Banana one-size nappies have an elastic toggle inside the leg that can be adjusted with buttons, just like those adjustable-waist trousers you can get for children or pregnant women! There are also rows of poppers on the front so you can adjust the waist size, and the ‘rise’ (how far up the nappy comes on your baby’s tummy).

The nappies come in a huge range of different colours, including pastels, brights and also some prints, which are slightly more expensive at £15.49. One thing that’s immediately obvious is their similarity to other reusable nappies already on the market, so although they’re a great idea, they’re not exactly innovative.

What we love

It’s great that Charlie Banana one-size nappies can be used for babies of all ages. It means you don’t have to keep buying bigger nappies as your baby grows, and also means if you have a baby and a toddler in nappies, you can use the same ones.

I used the Charlie Banana one-size nappies on my toddler, so had them on the biggest size setting. I was very pleased with how comfortably they fitted him, as he’s a big boy, and some one-size nappies can be a bit snug.

The fleece inner of the nappy is lovely and soft, and doesn’t stain, so the nappies still look great after being washed several times. The nappies are also incredibly quick drying, which is a huge advantage if you live in a small house without lots of drying space, and don’t want to tumble dry.

It’s also good that Charlie Banana one-size nappies come with two inserts – some pocket nappies only come with one, and that’s never going to be absorbent enough for more than an hour or so. And of course, you don’t have to use the inserts that come with Charlie Banana one-size nappies – if you love the outer, but aren’t a fan of microfibre, you can always stuff them with any insert of your choice.

The other plus point for some parents will be the option of having a washable or disposable insert.

What to watch out for

The inserts that come with Charlie Banana one-size nappies aren’t fantastic quality. They’re microfibre, but the slightly nasty kind that sticks to your fingers. It would be better if there was a choice of inserts so that you could choose one made of natural fibre, such as cotton or bamboo, if you’re not a fan of microfibre.

I’m also a bit dubious about the idea of using a disposable insert. I do wonder if disposable inserts are really any better than using a disposable nappy. Even biodegradable products can only break down in the presence of oxygen, which there isn’t much of in landfill, so I fear the disposable inserts could sit there just as long as a normal disposable nappy.

Although the nappies are called one-size, they’re a bit too big for newborn babies and are best used for babies 3 months and up.

Who are Charlie Banana one-size nappies best for?

Green-leaning parents after nappies that wash and dry well, which they can buy in babyhood and still be using in toddlerdom.

MadeForMums verdict

Charlie Banana one-size nappies are well designed, comfortable and durable. They wash and dry well and can work from 3 months to the toddler years, but they aren’t that different to others on the market. A choice of natural fibre inserts would also be a boon.

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